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Popular Mechanics top 10 cars of 2011 Part 1

When it comes to the very best in both form and function, the automotive industry will have a great deal to offer consumers in 2011. Popular Mechanics has released its top 10 cars and trucks of 2011, and fans should have a great deal from which to choose. Ford grabs three slots on the list. See how your favorite automaker fares. Prices listed below are base prices.

2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee – $30,215

This off-road-capable adventure machine brings 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 power at 290 hp and 260 foot pounds of torque. A 360-hp V8 is also available to power over obstacles. The new Grand Cherokee also offers a luxurious, roomy interior. The four-wheel independent suspension is adjustable from 10.7 inches of ground clearance all the way down to luxury ride height, so this Jeep tackles the best of trail and town.

2011 Lotus Evora – $74,675

Lightning-fast handling is second nature to lovely Lotus, and the Evora is purported to have a near-telepathic connection with the road. This high-performance sports car delivers in both cornering and comfort with the kind of suspension of which the average driver (with an average budget) can only dream.

2011 Hyundai Sonata – $19,195

A real MVP in terms of value and driving intangibles, the Hyundai Sonata captures Popular Mechanics’ Value Award. The look is one of luxury, but this sedan in luxury coupe clothing lights up the scoreboard with 274 hp, 30 mpg, lots of standard safety equipment and a 10-year, 100,000-mile warranty. All of those benefits at a reasonable price are a true luxury for today’s consumer.

2011 Toyota Sienna – $25,270

This versatile minivan offers 39.1 cubic feet of cargo room behind the third row seat. The third row can also fold flat and the second row slides and folds, providing many potential configurations for whatever load you carry. Tow up to 3,500 pounds while you’re at it. The 2.7-liter, four-cylinder, six-speed automatic transmission gets up to 24 mpg, something budget-conscious families will appreciate. All-wheel drive is the cherry on the sundae.